Reference Guide No. 11:
American Government and Politics
American Government and Politics
Reference Services Division, Olin*Kroch*Uris Libraries
TABLE OF CONTENTS
GUIDES TO THE LITERATURE
- Holler, Frederick L. Information Sources of Political Science. 4th ed. Santa
Barbara: ABC-Clio, 1986.
(Olin Ref Z 7161 H73+ 1986)The fourth edition of a well organized, selective bibliography. Contains sections on general reference sources; social sciences, American government, politics and public law; international relations; political theory; public administration. Good annotations, detailed subject index.
- Morehead, Joe. Introduction to United States Government Information
Sources.
5th ed. Littleton: Libraries Unlimited, 1996.
(Olin Ref Z 1223 Z7 M83 1996; also Uris, 4th ed, 1992)An excellent handbook of information and publications produced by the U.S. government and its agencies. Covers the Depository Library System, Non-Depository Publications, Legislative and Executive Branch Publications, Department and Agency Publications, and much more. Title and subject indexes at the back of the volume.
ENCYCLOPEDIAS AND DICTIONARIES
- The Blackwell Encyclopaedia of Political Science. New York: Basil Blackwell,
1991.
(Olin Ref JA 61 B62 1991, also Uris Ref, 1987 ed., called Blackwell Encyclopaedia of Political Institutions)This volume complements The Blackwell Encyclopaedia of Political Thought. Its purpose is "to provide a succinct guide to the central concepts used in the study of the political institutions of advanced industrial societies, the principal political organizations and movements in these societies and the main types of political community." (Editor's Introduction) There is an excellent index and a reading list with each entry.
- Encyclopedia of Government and Politics. 2 vols. New York: Routledge,
1992.
(Uris Ref JA 61 .E56)Eighty-four essays provide a summary and analysis of the major concepts and issues in the study of governments and politics. Relevant articles and books are liberally cited throughout each article and in the concluding bibliographies. This is the most successful attempt at creating an encyclopedia of political science so far.
- Encyclopedia of the American Legislative System: Studies of the Principal
Structures,
Processes and Policies of Congress and the State Legislatures since the Colonial Era. Ed.
Joel Silbey. 3 vols. New York: Scribners, 1994.
(Uris Ref JF 501 E53x 1994; also Olin Ref)This extensive set of articles about the state and national legislatures in the United States provides historical background and contemporary analysis of their behavior, members, processes, and structures. Extensive coverage of the relationship between legislatures and public policy, the executive branch, the courts, and the media is also provided. Each article includes an annotated bibliography of additional sources. Thoroughly indexed and cross-referenced.
- Encyclopedia of the American Presidency. 4 vols. New York: Simon and
Schuster, 1994.
(Uris Ref JK 511 E56)"The most comprehensive, detailed, and multidisciplinary one-step resource available on the American presidency. The Encyclopedia contains 1,011 essays by 335 contributors covering all aspects of the executive branch of government." (Choice) Contains excellent keyword and case indexes as well as a synoptic outline of the contents and reference tables.
- Greene, Jack, ed. Encyclopedia of American Political History. 3 vols. New
York: Scribner, 1984.
(Uris Ref E 183 .E56; also Olin)This work is intended to provide "authoritative and up-to-date articles" (Preface) on such topics as the American Revolution and the New Deal, the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution; but more important is its treatment of major issues, themes, institutions, processes, and developments in United States history, from the colonial period to the present. The essays included run from two to ten pages in length and all contain bibliographies of books and articles for further reading. A name and subject index at the end of the volume makes finding specific material relatively easy.
- Miller, David. ed. The Blackwell Encyclopaedia of Political Thought. New
York:
Basil Blackwell, 1987.
(Uris Ref JA 61 B63; also Olin)A guide to major ideas and philosophies of leading theorists in the field of political science, past and present. Entries contain references to the important works of individuals and include bibliographic references.
- Safire, William L. Safire's New Political Dictionary: The Definitive Guide to the
New
Language of Politics. New York: Random House, 1993.
(Uris Ref JK 9 S22 1993; also Olin)Includes words and phrases not likely to be found in other dictionaries. Emphasizes the "private argot politicians use in talking to other insiders, the public language used by political figures, and the language about politics." Does not include historical events.
- Shafritz, Jay M. HarperCollins Dictionary of American Government and
Politics.
New York: Harper Perennial, 1992.
(Uris Ref JK 9 S53 H2)"This dictionary contains explanations of the terms, phrases, and processes essential for an understanding of American government and politics, and includes entries on significant Supreme Court cases, biographical identifications, laws, political slang, scholarly journals, and professional associations." (Preface) This current and comprehensive dictionary updates the excellent Dorsey Dictionary of American Government and Politics (Olin JK 9 .S53w 1988). Dorsey entries list additional readings and sources for more information; HarperCollins has more charts and chronologies. These two dictionaries effectively complement each other.
See also the Clio Dictionaries in Political Science series, edited by Jack C. Plano. Each of these titles defines terms in the subdiscipline of political science that it surveys and adds information about the significance for each entry:
- Elliot, Jeffrey M. and Sheikh R. Ali. The Presidential-Congressional Political
Dictionary. Santa Barbara: ABC-Clio, 1984.
(Uris Ref JK 9 E46 1984; also Olin) - Kruschke, Earl R. The Public Policy Dictionary. Santa Barbara: ABC-CLIO,
1987.
(Olin Ref H 97 .K94) - Plano, Jack C., and Milton Greenberg. The American Political Dictionary. 7th
ed. New York: Holt, 1985.
(Uris Ref JK 9 P71 1985; also Olin) - Roberts, Geoffrey K. A New Dictionary of Political Analysis. New York: E.
Arnold, 1991.
(Olin Ref JA 61 .R63 1991) - Smith, John W. The Urban Politics Dictionary. Santa Barbara: ABC-Clio,
1990.
(Uris Ref JS 48 .S65x 1990; also Olin)
ORGANIZATIONAL DIRECTORIES
- Almanac of Federal PACs. Washington: Amward Publications, 1986-.
(Olin Ref JK 1991 .A86)A directory of all the political action committees (PACs) that made contributions of 00 or more. Includes background information on each PAC.
- United States Government Manual. Washington: National Archives and
Records
Service, 1973/74-. (Continues United States Government Organization Manual,
1935-1972/73).
(Uris Ref JK 421 A3; also Olin)The official handbook of the federal government containing descriptions of the agencies in all branches, as well ascertain boards, committees and commissions. Congressional or executive authority for each agency's establishment is cited, and the prominent publications are listed for some of the more important units. Includes organization charts, addresses, and telephone numbers, regional maps, a list of abbreviations and acronyms and a separate name and subject index. Published annually.
- Washington Information Directory. Washington: Congressional Quarterly,
1975/76-.
(Uris Ref F 192.3 W32; also Olin)Intended for everyone--amateur and professional alike--who must turn to Washington for information. Useful arrangement by subject of the agencies of the Executive branch, Congress, the Judiciary, and private or "non-governmental" organizations. Gives name, address and phone number of the organization, followed by a brief description of the work performed there. Published annually.
HANDBOOKS
- The Almanac of American Politics. Washington, D.C.: National Journal,
1972-.
(Uris Ref JK 1010 B26; also Olin)A guide to national elections and politics. In addition to lengthy essays on current issues in each state, it contains charts and tables which analyze and rate the voting activities of senators and congressmen, as well as extensive information about specific congressional districts. Arranged alphabetically by state. Published biennially.
- Austin, Eric W. Political Facts of the United States Since 1789. New York:
Columbia UP, 1986.
(Olin Ref JK 274 A93)A compilation of the basic facts about the United States divided into seven distinct areas (federal government, state politics, parties and elections, foreign affairs, armed forces, wealth revenue and taxation, and demographic information) with tabular data.
- Congress and the Nation: A Review of Government and Politics.
Washington: Congressional Quarterly, 1945/65-.
(Uris Ref JK 1001 C74+; also Olin)Provides a survey of U.S. politics and government based on material from the Congressional Quarterly Almanac and numerous other sources. Volume I is an historical overview of governmental activities from 1945-1964. Beginning with Volume II, each volume covers one presidential term. The table of contents in each volume outlines chapter contents, with each chapter devoted to specific political, social, and economic issues. There is also an excellent subject index at the end of each volume.
- Congressional Quarterly Almanac. Vol. 1-. Washington: Congressional
Quarterly,
1945-.
(Uris Ref + JK 1 C66; also Olin and JGSM)Each volume provides a survey of legislation for one session of Congress with summaries of major Congressional action. Includes voting information on numerous measures. The index allows for access by name or subject. Published annually.
- Congressional Quarterly's Guide to Congress. 4th ed. Washington:
Congressional
Quarterly, 1991.
(Olin Ref + JK 1021 C74 1991)Contains some thirty-four chapters arranged under seven broad categories: Origins and Development of Congress, Powers of Congress, Congressional Procedures, Housing and Support of Congress, Congress and the Electorate, Pressures on Congress, and Qualifications and Conduct of Members. This fourth edition of the Guide attempts to address important recent developments in our legislative process. Each chapter is followed by a bibliography of additional readings. When looking for a specific fact, be sure to check the index at the back first. Appendices include: A Biographical Listing of All Congressmen/Women, A Glossary of Congressional Terms, Documents of the Pre-Constitutional Period, and Congressional Statistics.
- Congressional Quarterly, Inc. The Washington Lobby. 5th
ed. Washington: Congressional Quarterly, 1987.
(Olin Ref KF 4948 Z9 C74 1987)An introduction to the Washington lobby, this book traces the history of lobbying and lobby regulation from its colonial beginnings to the recent rise of political action committees, outlines the development of the methods used by lobbyists, and discusses lobbying in the context of actual issues. A substantial part of the book is devoted to case studies of specific lobby interests. Includes an index and a selected bibliography.
- Ehrenhalt, Alan, ed. Politics in America: Members of Congress in Washington and at
Home. Washington: Congressional Quarterly, 1981-.
(Uris Ref JK 1010 P76; also Olin)This publication is similar to The Almanac of American Politics. Published biennially, it is arranged alphabetically by state and within each state by 1) state officials, 2) U.S. Senators, and 3) U.S. Representatives. Each chapter contains brief essays about the state as a whole and about its Congressional districts. Biographical information for senators and representatives includes voting records, interest group rating, election results, committee membership and campaign financing. A personal name index is located at the end of the volume.
- Federal Regulatory Directory. Washington: Congressional Quarterly, 1979/80-.
(Uris Ref JK 610 F29; also Olin, Law)
An introduction provides an overview of the topic "regulation", discussing "the growth of regulation and issues--trends toward deregulation, reform of agency procedure, cost/benefit analysis of agency actions, and the methods used to select regulators." The next section contains extensive profiles of 13 of the largest agencies including information on "the agency's background, powers, and authority, biographies of commissioners or board members, a detailed organizational description," (Preface) and more. Many smaller agencies are discussed more briefly. Includes a name and a subject index. An appendix includes important regulatory statutes and a list of abbreviations.
- Schapsmeier, Edward, and Frederick Schapsmeier. Political Parties and Civic Action
Groups. Westport: Greenwood, 1981.
(Uris Ref JK 2260 S29; also Olin)Concise histories of over 500 political parties and civic action groups from American history. The criteria for inclusion were that groups had to have a formal organization and be politically active. It must also have historical significance on the national political scene. Many entries include biblographies. Appendix I lists the groups by primary function. For similar information on political parties outside of the U.S., but members of the larger American community, see Robert J. Alexander's Political Parties of the Americas: Canada, Latin America, and the West Indies (Uris Ref JL 195 P76).
- Whitnah, Donald R., ed. Government Agencies. Westport: Greenwood,
1983.
(Uris Ref JK 421 G66; also Olin)Historical essays on over 100 past and present federal agencies. Includes such agencies as the United States Fish and Wildlife Service, the Nuclear Regulatory Agency, and the National Weather Service. Essays stress the achievements, failures, administrative structure, and the controversies surrounding the agency. Bibliographies are included at the end of each entry. Contains an index.
- Congressional Districts in the 1990s. Washington: Congressional Quarterly,
1993.
(Uris Ref JK 1341 C74 1993; also Olin)Presents descriptive and statistical profiles of the 435 congressional districts based on the 1990 census. Includes maps of all states showing district lines and statistical and demographic tables of each district, including lists of major industries, universities, newspapers and television stations. Arranged alphabetically by state.
- Congressional Roll Call: A Chronology and Analysis of Votes in the House and
Senate. Washington: Congressional Quarterly, Inc. 1969- .
(Olin + JK 1 C74, latest volume in Ref ; also Uris Ref)A convenient and easy way of learning your representative's or senator's voting record during a specific session of congress. Published annually in two parts, these volumes cover key votes, presidential support, party unity, conservative coalitions, voting participation and group ratings. There is a roll-call vote index at the end of the volume.
- Martis, Kenneth C. The Historical Atlas of United States Congressional Districts,
1789-1983. New York: Free, 1982.
(Uris Ref G 1201 F7 M38++ 1982; also Olin)A comprehensive reference work on all Congressional districts in the United States from the first Congress (1789-1791) to the ninety-seventh (1981-1983). It identifies all the representatives elected, and matches them with their proper state and Congressional district. Divided into three parts: (1) background information on the development of the United States Congressional district system; a discussion of the methodology used in creating this book; a bibliography; (2) 97 national Congressional district maps, one for each congress covered; (3) a breakdown of each district, by county, of every state for the years covered.
- Oleszek, Walter. Congressional Procedures and the Policy Process. 3rd ed.
Washington: Congressional Quarterly, 1989.
(Olin Ref JK 1096 O45 1989)An examination of how contemporary Congress makes laws and how its rules and procedures shape public policy. Describes the making of a law from introduction to final passage. Includes a glossary, bibliography and index.
- U.S. Bureau of the Census. Congressional District Atlas. Washington,
1960-.
(Uris Ref JK 1342 A34+; also Olin Ref, Mann Ref)Maps of United States congressional districts, counties and selected cities with dates of establishment. Useful for finding your congressional district. Published biennially since 1964.
- Vital Statistics on Congress. Washington: American Enterprise Institute for
Public
Policy Research,1980- .
(Olin Ref JK 1041 B58)A collection of statistics on congressional elections, campaign finances, party membership characteristics, committees, staff, costs, level of activity and voting. Most data series extend back to the 1940's. First published in 1980 and irregularly since then.
INDEXES
Note: Major political science journals published in the U.S. are indexed in Periodical Abstracts, available through Bear Access under Cornell Library Catalog Plus.
- CIS Index. Washington: Congressional Information Service, 1970-.
(Olin Ref Z 1223 A2 C74; also ILR Ref KF 49 C62 C571 and Law; on CD-ROM in Olin Ref)This service offers brief abstracts of the following types of Congressional publications: committee hearings, committee prints, House and Senate documents, reports, and miscellaneous publications, and Senate executive reports and documents. The testimony of every witness at every hearing is summarized in brief but sharply descriptive abstracts. There is an extensive index which utilizes every conceivable access point--from witness names and affiliations to the numbers and popular names of pending bills. Subject cross references are numerous and helpful. Also available on CD-ROM in Olin Reference as Congressional Masterfile 1 & 2 covering 1789-.
- The CIS Index to Presidential Executive Orders and Proclamations, 1789-1983.
10 vols. Washington: Congressional Information Service, 1986.
(Olin Ref J 80 C57; also Law)An index to a comprehensive collection of Executive Orders and Proclamations of the President of the U.S., consisting of a reference bibliography with the title, date, and bibliographic date for each order or proclamation; a chronological list; and indexes by subject, organization, personal name, agency numbers mentioned in the orders, and interrelated orders and proclamations. The full text of each order is available on Microfiche 818 in the Olin Library Microform area.
- International Bibliography of Political Science/Bibliographie internationale de science
politique. London: Tavistock, 1953-.
(Olin Z 7163 I61, last 10 volumes in Ref; also ILR Ref)An extensive, classified listing of books, pamphlets, articles and official government publications in various languages produced under the auspices of UNESCO. Indexes by author and subject.
- International Political Science Abstracts. London: Routledge, 1990-.
(Olin Ref + Z 7163 .I614)A classified bibliography of articles published in major political science journals from around the world. Substantial abstracts.
- PAIS.
New York: Public Affairs Information Service, 1972- . Quarterly updates.
(on Bear Access)
See also the print version: Public Affairs Information Service. Bulletin. 1915-. Monthly.
(Olin Ref + Z 7613 .P67)PAIS is an international index to periodical articles, books, and government documents about public policy issues: political, economic, and social conditions, public administration, and international affairs. The online version allows more flexibility in searching by subject. The print version provides access to items indexed before 1972. Many entries include brief abstracts.
- United States Superintendent of Documents. Monthly Catalog of U.S.
Government Publications. Washington: GPO, 1895-.
(Olin Ref Z 1223 A18, through 1995; 1996- in Olin Documents area (ask at Olin Reference); Bear Access, 1976- ; via the Web, 1994- (see below))Lists most publications issued by federal agencies. Arrangement is by issuing body and entries are numbered consecutively. Each issue has a subject, title, and author index. Indexes cumulate semi-annually and quinquennially. See also GPO via Bear Access/Cornell Library Catalog PLUS. The Monthly Catalog is available on the World Wide Web at http://www.access.gpo.gov/su_docs/dpos/a_mocat.html.
ELECTIONS
- Congressional Quarterly's Guide to U.S. Elections. 2nd ed.
Washington: Congressional Quarterly, 1994.
(Olin Ref + JK 1967 C74 1994)Includes election data for all major political offices since 1824. "Part I contains primarily narrative material--Origins of the American party system, Functions of the national nominating convention, a Chronology of nominating conventions, and Profiles of American political parties." (Editor's Note) Parts II through VI cover, in detail, Presidential, Gubernatorial, Senate, and House elections, as well as the Southern primaries. Also provided are indexes by candidates' names and bibliographies of additional readings at the end of each chapter.
BIOGRAPHICAL SOURCES AND DIRECTORIES
- Biographical Directory of the Governors of the United States 1789-1978. 4
volumes plus supplements. Westport: Meckler, 1978.
(Olin Ref JK 2447 .B61 and supplements)Updated by Biographical Directory of the Governors of the United States 1978-1983 and 1983-1988. Arranged alphabetically by state, and chronologically within each state. Gives election returns and brief data on personal life. Includes bibliography. This base set is updated by three supplements through 1994.
- Black Elected Officials. Washington: Joint Center for Political Studies,
1984-.
(Olin Ref E 185.5 N28)An annual publication providing a state by state national roster of federal, state, regional, and local elected black officials in the United States. Includes index tables. Latest edition in reference. This title continues the National Roster of Black Elected Officials.
- Congressional Staff Directory. Mt. Vernon: Congressional Staff Directory,
1959-.
(Uris Ref JK 1012 C74; also Olin, Mann, ILR, Law)Lists Congressmen and Congresswomen, Congressional staffs, and committee staffs. Includes sub-committees as well as committee assignments of all members of Congress. Useful too, for biographical information, addresses, and phone numbers. Published annually.
- Schoenebaum, Eleanora, ed. Political Profiles. New York: Facts on File,
1976-.
(Olin Ref E 840.6 P76+; also Uris stacks)Each volume contains about 500 signed biographies of the most politically influential persons in the administrations of the following presidents: vol. 1=Truman; vol. 2=Eisenhower; vol. 3=Kennedy; vol. 4=Johnson; vol. 5=Nixon/Ford. Each volume has a chronology, appendix of office holders, bibliography and an index.
- Sobel, Robert, ed. Biographical Directory of the United States Executive Branch
1774-1989. New York: Greenwood, 1990.
(Uris Ref JK 661 B61 1990; also Olin)Includes brief sketches of the careers of all cabinet heads, as well as presidents. An index section provides chronological lists, lists by cabinet post or other political office, etc. A similar title is Biographical Directory of the United States Congress 1774-1989 (Uris Ref JK 1010 A5 1989).
- Stineman, Esther. American Political Women: Contemporary and Historical
Profiles. Littleton: Libraries Unlimited, 1980.
(Oiln stacks HQ 1236 S85w 1980)Biographical essays with numerous bibliographic citations discuss the careers of about 60 American women who made it big in the political arena either as congresswomen, ambassadors, special presidential assistants, governors, lieutenant governors, mayors or a combination of these. Selected speeches and writings of the biographee are also included. An index at the back of the volume provides access to information available within an essay and an appendix listing "Women currently serving in government in key departmental, agency and White House positions" is also provided. Stineman also provides appendices listing: women of the Congress, 1917-1980, women ambassadors of the U.S. currently serving, and women currently serving as federal judges.
- U.S. Congress. Official Congressional Directory. Washington: GPO,
1887-.
(Uris Ref JK 1011; also Olin)Includes biographical data on members of Congress as well as committee assignments. Also includes data on diplomatic, departmental and judicial personnel. Maps of Congressional districts are included.
- Who's Who in American Politics. Vol. 1-. New York: Bowker,
1967/68-.
(Olin Ref + JK 6 W618)Contains brief biographical sketches of some 20,000 men and women involved in the process of American government. Inclusion is based on "active participation of individuals at national, state, and local levels." (Preface) Current volume only in Ref.
SOURCES OF CURRENT INFORMATION
- Congressional Quarterly Weekly Report. Washington: Congressional Quarterly,
1946-.
(Uris Ref + JK 1 C661; also Olin)Congressional Quarterly Weekly Report provides news summaries of congressional legislation, commission reports, presidential talks and appointments, and even information about birth dates, religious affiliation and occupation of senators and representatives. One of the best and most current of all publications dealing with government action. Covers Congress in depth, but also includes information on the executive and judicial branches of government. Quarterly indexes cumulate annually and provide access by subject. There are also special indexes for lobby registrations, Presidential texts, committee roll call votes, etc. For daily updates of Weekly Report see Washington Alert on the Mann Gateway.
- National Journal. Washington: Government Research Corp., 1969-.
(Olin Ref + JK 1 N27)Weekly issues review actions and events throughout the federal government, including the White House, federal departments, and agencies, Congress and the courts. Weekly indexes cumulate monthly and semiannually. Also indexed in PAIS.
INTERNET SITES
For links to useful Internet resources on American politics, see the U.S. Government section of Internet Reference Links on the O K U Reference Web Site: http://www.library.cornell.edu/olinuris/ref/select.htm.
STYLE MANUALS
- Garner, Diane L. The Complete Guide to Citing Government Information Resources: A
Manual for Writers and Librarians. Bethesda: CIS, 1993.
(Olin Ref Z 7164 G7 G23 1993; also Uris)A style manual outlining document citations. Includes glossary and index.
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